Iranian Arms Broker Busted at LAX in $70M Drone Deal Plot

Federal authorities have arrested an Iranian national living in California, accusing her of orchestrating a large-scale international weapons trafficking operation involving Iranian-made drones, explosives, and ammunition destined for Sudan.

According to a newly unsealed criminal complaint, 44-year-old Shamim Mafi was taken into custody at Los Angeles International Airport while allegedly attempting to leave the country. Officials say she was preparing to board a flight to Turkey when federal agents intervened.

Allegations of a Multinational Weapons Network

Prosecutors allege that Mafi brokered deals on behalf of Iranian interests to supply military equipment to Sudan’s Ministry of Defense in violation of U.S. sanctions laws.

The complaint outlines a sweeping operation that allegedly included:

• A proposed $70.6 million deal for Iranian-made Mohajer-6 drones
• The sale of tens of thousands of bomb fuses
• Ammunition transactions totaling tens of millions—and in some cases hundreds of millions—of rounds

Authorities say these activities violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which restricts unauthorized transactions involving sanctioned nations and defense-related materials.

If convicted, Mafi faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Links to Iranian Intelligence

Investigators claim the case extends beyond illegal arms brokering into potential national security concerns.

According to the FBI affidavit, Mafi allegedly maintained communication with individuals connected to Iran’s intelligence apparatus, including the Ministry of Intelligence and Security.

Officials say records show dozens of contacts between Mafi and a suspected intelligence officer over a multi-year period. During interviews, she reportedly acknowledged being in communication with Iranian officials and suggested she was “more useful” to them abroad.

The complaint also alleges ties to individuals associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a group designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization.

Complex Financial and Logistics Network

Authorities describe a sophisticated international network designed to evade sanctions and obscure the origin of the transactions.

According to the filing, Mafi and her associates allegedly:

• Used an Oman-based company to facilitate deals
• Routed payments through financial channels in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates
• Coordinated logistics across multiple countries, including Iran, Turkey, and Oman

Federal officials say these steps were intended to conceal the Iranian origin of the weapons and bypass U.S. oversight.

Arrest and Next Steps

Mafi, a lawful permanent resident of the United States since 2016, resides in Woodland Hills, California, and has reportedly traveled extensively between the U.S. and several Middle Eastern countries.

She is expected to make her initial court appearance in federal court in Los Angeles. As with all criminal defendants, she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Broader Context

The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of global arms trafficking networks and ongoing tensions involving Iran’s military and intelligence operations abroad.

U.S. officials have increasingly warned about efforts to circumvent sanctions through third-party intermediaries and complex financial structures. This case, if proven, could offer a detailed look into how such networks operate across multiple jurisdictions.